Athletes are motivated in different ways: It may be a coach’s challenge, a failure in the past or in the case of Braylon Williams, a loss not on the field.
Williams is a senior football player for the second-year program at Prairieville High School.
The Hurricanes had their first taste of varsity football last fall, the results were mixed, but the experience was priceless.
Michael Schmitt is back to lead the program and “I was not really surprised on how last season went being a first-year varsity program. We have many young men competing, the numbers were crazy. Our support from the community was incredible,” said Schmitt.
Williams plays cornerback and he joins several starters returning from a team that started younger players against established programs. They are motivated going into Year 2.
“We have put in the work preparing for this season. We worked nights and even stayed overnight to be a team that wants to be better than last year. Our coaches have instilled in us what it takes to be a good team, we are confident,” said Williams.
Prairieville plays in a strong district with fellow parish teams St. Amant, East Ascension and Dutchtown.
The Hurricanes were shut out in three of their district games, not surprising for a new program. Winning two games with a young team is an accomplishment, but Schmitt and his staff are looking for other measures of success as well.
“Our team is hungry to improve, but we are realistic. We have only 13 seniors, and we are still young in several areas. Success for us is measured by improvement and playing to your potential. The wins are a result of working to being the best version of yourself,” said Schmitt.
Williams and his teammates believe in what the coaches are preaching and know they have challenges.
“This team will be successful because we have worked hard every single day. We know what the outside says about our program, that we aren’t good or won’t be a better team this season. Our goal is to be one of the best team in a very strong district.” said Williams.
Schmitt likes what he sees from his senior cornerback and knows he is invested. “Braylon is one of those young men you see and think, if they figure it out, they could be great. He has worked on himself physically and mentally. He has become a leader for us; the younger guys can feed off his leadership and work ethic. He has put his trust in our staff and for that I am grateful,” said Schmitt.
An important piece for the Hurricanes will be who the starting quarterback will be. Schmitt likes the competition so far.
“The starter is yet to be determined and we have two phenomenal kids competing for the job. Skyler Kelly and Charlie Green have great work ethic. They each have a different skill set, our plan is to utilize those skill sets to help out team be successful,” said Schmitt.
Williams plays football for many reasons, and one of them is unusual. “My motivation comes from several areas, my teammates, my coaches and wanting to win every game and every rep.
“However, my biggest motivation is my family. I have lost some important people in my life. The ones that are still here pushing me to be great keep me going. I believe that I can be a leader for this team. A good team starts with leadership, doing things by example and holding everyone, including yourself, accountable,” said Williams.
Growth at Prairieville has continued and larger numbers for football have happened as well. Meeting those demands with staff has happened with the Hurricanes.
“We have added three new coaches, we have more coaches, several of them bring in experience to add to our amazing staff. This will help with our preparation and with the players in general,” said Schmitt.
Being a championship contender was more of a dream last season as a first-year program. Going into this season, the success of the Hurricanes will come from habits. “Consistency will be key, doing what championship do daily. We are still three schools merging into one. Every day that passes, we get closer to being the one and only, Prairieville High School,” said Schmitt.
As the season approaches, Williams wants he and his teammates to savor the days, be thankful and make memories.
“I want to soak all of this in, be remembered as someone who kept his head down and worked. I want to leave my mark and be an example for future Hurricane players, work hard and enjoy your time here. So much to be thankful for on this journey, my family and especially the ones that are no longer here, that’s my motivation,” he said.